So this'll be a driver for use in a 3 way, with kicks/door enclosure, or 3 way and run it in a sealed up(but no enclosure made in the door) type deal? Really interested...
I've ran composite, stamped steel, and cast aluminum...none made that much of a difference to the overall sound. Stamped looks cheap, but is still very rigid and does keep costs down.
The ID8s I love to use are made from a powder-coated stamped-steel basket and they perform very well.
My JBL GTOs are made of a plastic/fiberglass mix, and they do well too! LOL!
Let's not get a hard on over what material is used. If used correctly each can do the trick. You have been brain washed into thinking plastic and steel are cheap and aluminum is superior.
This conversation is starting to sound like the marketing jargon in the cycling world. You "need" a carbon fiber frame and wheels. Although, aluminum and steel work just as well but are not the latest buzz words.
I own a set of Frog composite 6x9's and Dynaudio MW182 stamped steel drivers. Both perform superior to aluminum framed drivers I have tested in my doors thus far.
Nick had a point about using stamped steel baskets to keep tooling cost down. A punch press stamping die is probably much cheaper than a aluminum mold and trim die. Just say'in...
Ge0
Scanspeak - Dynaudio - Helix - Bose
Not the point at all. Materials have different properties. Some are superior to others where needed. These days, you have more options than ever & can choose among a range to suit your tastes - if you've figured that out yet. You get the choice of carbon, aluminum, paper, composite, plastic, ceramic - just in cones. You get stamped steel motors, cast aluminum, pure billet, proto, etc. Neo magnets, ferrite, servos. Different weights and electrical properties and stiffnesses.
Nothing is better than anything else. Pick what works for you.